Your Bite-Sized Guide to Bastille Day

What better place to celebrate France's Independence Day than in "the Paris of the West"? Here's our round up of dining specials and celebrations throughout the weekend:

RN74The Party: Tonight, RN74 hosts a "Roaring 20's" themed celebration for Bastille Day. Expect familiar French food and drinks, including moules marinières, cream puffs, and a special Kir Royale cocktail with sparkling wine and crème de cassis.The Highlights: Look for aerial performances from Chloe Marvel Light Axelrod and Eka Boo. Guests in costume will earn a free drink ticket, and can enter a costume contest to win a dinner for two at the restaurant or a magnum of champagne.

Café ClaudeThe Restaurant: Located on the secluded Claude Lane between Union Square and the Financial District, Café Claude is reminiscent of the hidden alleyways of Paris.The Special: Navarin d'Agneau, a braised lamb shoulder with English peas, braised tomatoes, olives, carrots and turnips served with couscous and mint picada for $28.

Bastille Day Block Party at Belden PlaceThe Party: Belden Place, a European-style alleyway, will be hosting a free block party for Bastille Day. You can also dine at one of the five restaurants participating in the celebration.The Highlights: Americano Social Club will play gypsy French-jazz at Belden Taverna from 5 — 9pm, and the restaurant will serve special French cocktails, including the O! Pear, made with Absolut Pears vodka, pear nectar and muddled jalapeno. Also look out for happy-hour prices on wine, beer and champagne.

Bastille Day Celebration at the Alliance Française de San FranciscoThe Party: Join the Alliance Française de San Francisco, an organization that promotes and enhances the knowledge and appreciation of French and Francophone culture, for an afternoon of food and music. The Highlights: Remember the "Zou bisou bisou" song from Mad Med? Groove to similar 60s yé-yé pop from the band Rue 66 while noshing on charcuterie and Belgian waffles from B. Street Waffles.